A number of health organizations in the US
have penned a joint letter to the government department that regulates alcohol
urging new labelling laws to necessitate cancer warnings. Cancer warnings should be included on the
labels of all alcoholic drinks brands, a coalition of health groups has said
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau (TTB) is seeking to amend the regulations governing the labelling and
advertising of wine, spirits and malt beverages to “simplify and clarify”
regulatory standards. As part of the
consultation period prior to the laws being amended, stakeholders and organizations
can submit their comments to the TTB.
The latest letter states: “The available
scientific information shows that consuming ‘even one drink per day’ of alcohol
increases cancer risk. A ‘modernized’ label for alcoholic beverages should
therefore carry a warning that reflects this scientific understanding.” The Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act (ABLA)
of 1988 requires that a specific health warning should appear on the labels of
all alcoholic drinks containers produced, imported or bottled for sale in the
US. In addition to the warnings about
drinking while pregnant or while driving, the groups recommend the following
statement is included on labels: “GOVERNMENT WARNING: According to the
Surgeon General, consumption of alcoholic beverages can cause cancer, including
breast and colon cancers.”
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